Size Yourself Up to Look Great

By Darlene Zagata

Are you at your ideal weight? If you answered yes to this question, you are one of the lucky ones. The majority of people feel that they would be happier and look better if they could shed a few pounds. Yet there are those who are still not satisfied with their physical appearance even after they lose weight.

We always tend to focus on our imperfections. Just ask a few people how they feel about their bodies and see what they say. They’ll find some area of their body that doesn’t live up to their expectations. But why is it that we cannot accept ourselves the way we are? We all have preconceived notions about how we should look. Magazines and television shows don’t help us in our quest for self-acceptance. Although the emphasis is not as much about the “perfect” body as it has been in the past, there is still much focus on a slim, fit, pleasant to the eyes physique.

We find it difficult to fully accept the person that stares back at us from the mirror when that image does not appear to fulfill what is considered the standard for attractiveness. The question is: Why should we determine attractiveness by any standard? The answer is simple – because we’ve been conditioned to, but we don’t have to live by that tired old conditioning. We can learn to accept ourselves and be content with the person we are inside and out.

We should all want to do what we can to maintain our health and be physically fit, but some people get so obsessed with body image that they will go to any length to project an attractive image. They try diet after diet in an attempt to reach their ideal weight. They try all the latest exercise programs as they try to sculpt their bodies into a work of art they and others can admire. Some of them even turn to cosmetic surgery. Maybe they’re trying too hard.

When it comes to diets, it is important to eat healthy. As enlightened as our society has become, it’s surprising how many people still associate dieting with not eating or eating hardly anything. Don’t starve yourself; just eat a little less. The exercise routine should be a plan that you are comfortable with. People who have been fairly inactive for quite awhile should not start out with a high impact workout. That’s just plain old commonsense. You should always consult your physician and get a good physical examination before beginning any diet, exercise or weight loss program. Your physician can provide you with recommendations that would be suitable for your health and physical condition.

In the meantime, while you work on dieting and exercising your way to a more attractive body, you can work on accepting the mental image you have of yourself. If you have difficulty accepting yourself for the person you are, others will probably have trouble accepting you as well. If you don’t like yourself, how can you expect others to? We’ve all heard it dozens of times before but it really is true that it is what’s on the inside that counts. If you can truly accept the person you are on the inside that image will reflect in the outer appearance also. You may think that’s just a bunch of hogwash but the way you feel about yourself really does make a difference.

There are plenty of individuals that are not what most would consider physically attractive but they attract people. Their personalities are magnetic; they are charming and personable. They have a certain “something.” That something is an inner radiance that shines through. These people have accepted themselves and are comfortable with who they are.

If you’re ready to accept the real you then stop putting on airs. Dress like the person you are. If you have a size 10 body don’t try to squeeze into size 5 clothes. It doesn’t look attractive. In fact, it draws attention to the very flaws you wish to disguise. Don’t wear clothes that are too big either. That only makes you look unkempt. If you have a size 10 body then wear size 10 clothes. Another good point to make here is to dress age appropriate. Wearing your teenager’s clothes doesn’t make you look younger; it just makes you look like you’re desperately trying to look younger. As a matter of fact, you can look great at any age. You can wear shorts, swimwear, a little sexy, black dress or whatever you desire. Just choose items of clothing that are appropriate for your age and body style. The clothes you wear should be flattering. One more thing, remember your posture. Bad posture is not only bad for your back; it’s bad for your body image. Proper posture pulls your muscles into alignment thereby providing you with a slimmer look. So don’t slouch. Learn to be content with yourself as you are and you’ll find yourself becoming better every day.

© DoItYourself.com 2006